Device and method for displaying merchandise

ABSTRACT

Display devices, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise; a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section. Also for dispensing a package of merchandise are described.

GENERAL FIELD

The embodiments described herein generally relate to the field of merchandising displays. More particularly, the invention relates to anti-theft display devices.

BACKGROUND

This section is only intended to provide a brief background or context.

Retailers often seek ways to display merchandise to ease customer access to merchandising to increase sales while at the same time discouraging the unauthorized access to the merchandise. This is generally important for all kind of merchandise, but in particular—but not limited—for all high-value merchandise which is relatively small, such e.g. cosmetics or printer cartridges.

Therefore, display devices have been developed to securely access the merchandise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings described below.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a first position (engagement position) of an embodiment of a package release device;

FIG. 2A shows a top view of the first position (engagement position) of an embodiment of a package release device

FIG. 3 shows a second position (release position) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a first position (engagement position) of a further embodiment of a package release device;

FIG. 5 shows a second position (release position) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows three stacked display devices;

FIG. 7 shows a display device with a curved front;

FIG. 8 shows schematically a flow chart for an embodiment of the method for dispensing a package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Merchandise is regularly sold in packages which are positioned in display device in stores. On one hand the display of the merchandise should enable easy access of the merchandise for the customers. On the other hand, the unauthorized access to the packages is to be discouraged.

Given the environment of the store, the display device has preferably to function automatically, preferably with minimal maintenance and with no connections of an electrical outlet or other external electricity. Once set up, the display device should work with little interference apart from refilling with merchandise.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a display device for packaged merchandise. In a storage section 10 individual packages 100 (only one package 100 is shown for reasons of clarity in FIG. 1; a more detailed view is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) are stored in parallel rows.

Typically packaged merchandise suitable for such display devices are products which are especially prone to be stolen. Examples of such products are cosmetic articles like lipsticks, personal hygiene articles like razors or razor blades, printer ink-cartridges, batteries, storage cards (e.g. SD-Cards etc.), software on cards and the like or medication.

The storage section 10 comprises pushers 12 which exert a force from the rear of the rows of packages 100. As can be seen best from FIG. 2, at the front of the display device, a barrier 14 is positioned to hold the packages 100 in place (i.e. to keep them within the storage section 10) when no customer wants so retrieve a package 100 from the display device. As will be shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the barrier 14 can have the form of a rod which extends along the front of the storage section 10.

The storage section 10 is so designed, that customers have only access to the packages 100 from a dispensing section 30 using a mechanism of which embodiments are described below.

Typically the storage section 10 is a closed box with a transparent window at the front, so that customers can see the merchandise packages 100 within the storage section 10. The front of the storage section 10 usually comprises a door which can be locked. The store personnel can refill the merchandise in the storage section through that door.

The dispensing section 30 is a kind of trough into the package 100 falls or into which the package 100 is transported.

Along the length of the display device a rod 16 is positioned which is rotatable around it longitudinal axis.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the rod 16 can be rotated by a customer towards the front of the display device by operating a handle 18. The handle 18 in this embodiment is shaped like a handle known from a so called slot machine. In other embodiments, the handle can be knob or a pushbutton.

A package release device 20 is slideably positioned as a product selector on the rod 16, i.e. the package release device 20 can be moved by customers with a handle along the front of the display device. In FIG. 1 the sliding possibilities are indicated by arrows. In one embodiment the package release device 20 can be protruding from the front of the display device.

The sliding movement enables the customer to select a specific row of packages 100 within the storage section 10 of the display device, as will be further explained in connection with FIG. 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the package release device 20 comprises a ring-like structure. In this case the rod 16 comprises a toothed wheel section. The package release device 20 is shaped like a ring comprising teeth on the inner side of the ring form locking with the toothed wheel section of the rod 16.

The person skilled in the art will recognize that other form locking connections are feasible. Alternatively or in connection with a form lock, force locking connections are also possible.

The package release device 20 can be moved in front of the display device along the longitudinal axis of the rod 16.

In case, the display device only comprises one row of packaged merchandise, the sliding movement of the package release device 20 is not necessary since it is already positioned in front of the row of packaged merchandise.

Given the embodiment of FIG. 1 the ring-like package release device 20 can be moved along the front side of the display device and it can be rotated, when a customer pulls the handle 18 downwards to rotate the rod 16.

For releasing a package 100 from the row inside the display device the package release device 20 comprises a transport means 22 for engaging the package 10.

The engaging and releasing of the package 100 is shown in the schematic side views of FIGS. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 2 the first situation, the engaging stage is depicted. Here three packages 100, 101, 102 are positioned in a row. The pusher 12 presses the packages 100, 101, 102 against the barrier 14. This is the position in which the merchandise is secured in the display device when no customer wants to access it.

The package release device 20 is mounted rotatably on the rod 16. The inner side of the ring meshes with the toothed rod 16 so that a rotational movement (e.g. initiated by the handle shown in FIG. 1) of the rod 16 is transferred to the package release device 20.

In FIG. 2 the package release device 20 comprises a polygonal element 24, here an element with a quadratic cross section. The polygonal element 24 rotates with the package release device 20.

The shape of the polygonal element 24 can be adjusted to the size and/or shape of the packages 100, 101, 102. Alternatively, the polygonal element 24 could have a triangular cross section. In further embodiments, the polygonal element 24 could have more than four sides. If the packages 100, 101, 102 in a row have the same size, the polygonal element 24 should have a cross section of a regular polygon, i.e. all the sides have the same lengths.

The embodiment described here allows also the storage of merchandise having different package 100, 101, 102 sizes in on storage section 10. Differences in size can be accommodated with an adapter 36 mounted on the barrier 14. This is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5.

To release one package 100 from the row in the storage section 10, a customer slides the package release device 20 along the rod 16 to the desired row of packages 100, 101, 102. As shown in FIG. 2 the upper side 22 of the polygonal element 24 engages the first package 100 in the row by sliding underneath it.

As can be seen from the top view of FIG. 2A, the first two packages 100, 101 in the row are positioned on surface which has a gap 26, i.e. the packages 100, 101 are held place by the surface on the sides of the gap.

It is this gap 26, in that the transport means 22 (here the upper side of “quadratic wheel”) of the package release device 20 is moved into an engaging position for the first package 100 by sliding underneath it. As can be seen from FIG. 2 it also slides underneath a small part of the second package 101 in the row.

The engaging position for the package 100 does not necessarily mean that physically contact is made between the package 100 and the transport means 22. The transport means 22 is rather brought into position for the next step, i.e. applying a torque on the first package 100 in the row. The transport means 22 is then engaging the first package 100.

The release of the first package 100 is shown in FIG. 3. When the customer operates the handle 18, the package release device 20 is rotated counterclockwise; and with it the transport means 22. The torque results in a tilting of the first package 100 also in a counterclockwise direction. The tilting movement is sufficient to move the first package 100 over the barrier 14 so that the package 100 can fall (or can be further transported) to the dispensing section 30 (see FIG. 1). The pusher 12 immediately notices the movement of the first package 100 and pushes the remaining packages 101, 102 against the barrier 14.

It is also possible to use an electric drive (preferably battery operated) in connection or alone to activate the rotational movement of the transport means 22. The package release device 20 would then have a push button or a turning knob to initiate the rotation.

The operation of the display device can be coupled to a sound mechanism 34, like a mechanical ratchet, to indicate that one package 100 has been released into the dispensing section 30. A ratchet can be conveniently coupled with the rod 16, so it is activated when someone operates the handle 18. In FIG. 1 a ring with a structured surface is mounted on the rod 16. An elastic lip is touching the ring. When the rod 16 is rotated the lip is moved across the structured surface emitting a sound.

This sound is emitted very rapidly, if someone tries to remove many packages 100, 101, 102 in a short time, as it might be the case in an attempted theft of multiple packages 100, 101, 102. The purely mechanical generation of this sound can alert shop personnel. Further embodiments for the prevention of theft will be discussed below.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the dimensions of the transport means 22 (i.e. the surface of the “quadratic wheel”) are chosen that only the first package 100 in the row is released into the dispensing section 30.

This embodiment has the further feature, that one side of the package release device 20 acts as a stop means 28 for the remaining packages 101, 102. The pusher 12 presses the remaining packages 101, 102 against this side 28 while the package release device 20 is rotated.

The person skilled in the art will recognize that the shape and the design of the package release device 20 and its transport means 22 can be different from the embodiment shown above. The application of torque by the transport means 22 can e.g. also be achieved by a high friction surface (e.g. rubberized) on a round wheel. The high friction surface 22 would engage the first package and move it against the barrier 14, resulting in the application of a torque on the first package 100 induced by the rotation of the high friction surface (i.e. the transport means). In other embodiments the transport means 22 is a high friction surface on an element which has at least partially a rounded shape, like a convex shape or an ellipsoid shape. In those embodiments, the transport means 22 would have to be disengaged sufficiently from the first package 100 to move the transport means 22 along the rod 16.

The described embodiments allow the efficient and selected release of individual merchandize packages 100. Therefore, it is not possible to have unauthorized access to all packages 100 in the storage section 10.

Apart from the ratchet mechanism described above (or in addition) further embodiments can help in making the unauthorized access more difficult.

One way could be the introduction of a control mechanism for the movement of the rotatable transport means 22 to prevent the rapid release of more than one package.

This slow release concept (sometimes named slow feed concept) is a considerable obstacle for any unauthorized access to the merchandise. Professional thieves, who are responsible for a large percentage of the losses of merchandise, would hesitate to operate devices which will slow them down.

One embodiment of such a control mechanism comprises a gear system 32 connected with the rotatable rod 16. The gear system could be so designed that it is necessary to move the handle 18 more than once to release one package 100. The multiple movement of the handle would intentionally slow down the release, making it more difficult to remove a large number of packages 100, 101, 102 from the storage section 10 unnoticed. For example a 60° movement of the handle 18 would turn the rod 16 (and consequently the transport means 22) only 30°. Since the release of the packages 100 (see FIG. 2) requires a 90° rotation of the transport means 22, three full movements of the handle 18 would be necessary. In other embodiments different angles for moving the handle 18 and/or different gear ratios can be employed.

Alternatively or additionally to the mechanical ratchet sound, a predetermined sound message might be played in connection with the release of a package 100 to the dispensing section 30. This could e.g. be a short message of thanks or a promotional message. If the display device comprises a handle 18 which resembles a slot machine, the typical sound of slot machine might be played, once a customer operates the handle.

Preferably the playing of sounds will be operated under battery power so that the display devices do not require external electricity.

If the display device comprises a small battery operated processor 38 as detector for the rotational movement of the transport means, the frequency of the operation of the handle 18 can be detected. Depending on the frequency, the message to be played could be controlled. If the frequency e.g. exceeds a certain threshold (e.g. 3 packages within in 20 seconds), a loud warning message is played. The threshold for a particular sales situation is predetermined. But the threshold value can be changed to adapt to different sizes of packages or different merchandise.

As shown in FIG. 7 another embodiment uses a display device which does not have a flat front face, like the one shown in FIG. 1. Apart from the curved front, the description of FIG. 1 essentially applies to FIG. 7. To facilitate the operation of the package release device 20, the rod 16 itself is not rotatable, but the package release device 20 itself.

It is possible to have a display device which has at least partially a convex and/or concave front. This allows aesthetically pleasing designs of display devices. In this case rod 16 would follow the front face of the display device so that the package release device 20 can slide along the longitudinal axis (which would be curved in this case).

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 only one level of merchandise packages 100 is shown. Naturally, a number of those display devices could be stacked upon another. This is shown in FIG. 6. Here three devices 200, 201, 202, each among other things having a package release device 20, are stacked. If packages are released from the storage sections 10, the packages 100 are moved, e.g. by gravity, to the dispensing section 30. The functionality of the devices 200, 201, 202 themselves is described in connection with FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 a further embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown. In principle the description of FIGS. 2 and 3 three is applicable. The difference is that the package size in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is smaller. To keep the correct position for the first package 100, an adapter 36 is mounted on the barrier 14. An elastic lip of the adapt 36 exerts a force on the first package 100 and is balanced by the force exerted by the pusher 12. The actual release by the rotation of the transport means 22 is the same in principle similar or identical to the one described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. One difference can be seen in FIG. 5. During the release of the first package 100, the second package 101 is pressing against the first package 100, not the stop means 28, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 8 a method for dispensing a package 100 of merchandise from a storage section 10 of a display device for at least one package of merchandise is shown. The following steps are performed.

-   -   a) A package release device for releasing one package 100 at a         time from the storage section 10 is engaging the package 100.     -   b) The package release device 20 comprises a rotatable transport         means 22 which is rotated so that it exerts a torque on the         package 100.     -   c) The torque effects the release of the package 100 from the         storage section 10 to a dispensing section 30 of the display         device.

Before step a) the customer moves the package release device 20 in front of the package 100 he/she wants to retrieve.

All the individual embodiments described and claimed can also be used in combination. 

1. A display device, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise; a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable transport means comprises a surface for frictionally engaging the one package.
 3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable transport means comprises a flat or rounded surface for engaging the one package.
 4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable package release device comprises a rotatable polygonal element, in particular a rotatable element with a quadratic cross-section, configured to engage the package with one of its sides.
 5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable transport means is positioned rotatably around the longitudinal axis of a rod, especially a toothed rod.
 6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable transport means is rotatable by a customer by operating a handle, a turnable knob or a button.
 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rotatable transport means is controlled by a control mechanism for deliberately controlling the movement of the rotatable transport means to prevent the rapid release of more than one package of merchandise.
 8. The display device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable transport means is connected to the rod, so that it can be moved by a customer along the longitudinal axis of the rod.
 9. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a stop means for stopping the movement of further packages towards the dispensing section after one package has been moved from the storage section to the dispensing section.
 10. The display device of claim 1, with an adapter to exert a holding force on the front of packages in the storage section.
 11. The display device of claim 1, wherein the device and its parts are operable without external electricity.
 12. The display device of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the device is operable with electric energy, in particular a battery or external electricity.
 13. The display device of claim 1, wherein the exerting of the torque on the package is coupled to a sound generator, in particular a mechanical ratchet.
 14. The display device of claim 1, wherein the storage section comprises pushers for the at least one package of merchandise.
 15. The display device of claim 1, with a detector for the rotational movement of the transport means which triggers a signal if the frequency of the rotational movement of the transport means exceeds a predetermined value.
 16. A display device, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise usually not accessible for customers, a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing only one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable polygonal element, in particular a rotatable element with a quadratic cross-section, configured to engage the package with one of its sides which exerts a torque on the package when the polygonal element is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section.
 17. A method for dispensing a package of merchandise from a storage section of a display device for at least one package of merchandise, wherein a) a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section is engaging the package, b) the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means which is rotated so that it exerts a torque on the package, c) the torque effecting the release of the package from the storage section to a dispensing section of the display device. 